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Local News

Faithful at MLK Jr. Service Share Hope for a ‘Beloved Community’

Archbishop Nelson Pérez and one of the first Black students at Girard College, plus interfaith leaders and choirs, joined a rousing day of prayer and reflection on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Missionary Discipleship Classes Aim to Train Catholics as Evangelizers

Getting Catholics comfortable with sharing their faith freely with others – especially in Missionary Hubs – is the goal of a 10-part series this spring.

Archbishop Pérez Announces Clergy Changes

Announced Jan. 19, pastoral assignments span Havertown and Philadelphia, alongside a seminary leadership change, and one retirement.

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Photo features

Photos: Interfaith Community Gathers to Honor the Legacy of MLK Jr.

Faith leaders and community members gathered in North Philadelphia on Jan. 18 for an interfaith prayer service honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Commentaries

Catholic Collegians Get Credit for Putting Faith in Action

The Newman Center at West Chester University has begun offering three academic credits for students who, as they told writer Matthew Gambino, are putting their faith at the center of their lives.

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Profile

Missionary Hub Director Brings His Faith Journey Home to Chester

Joshua Bean was raised in the Delaware County as a devout Protestant. Since his January 2025 entry into the Catholic Church, he views his new role of missionary leadership with his neighbors as “orchestrated” by God.

From Rice Pudding to Renewal, Corona Finds Calling to Missionary Discipleship

Rooted in years of ministry, personal conversion, and a passion for evangelization, Nina Marie Corona steps into her new Missionary HUB role ready to meet people in their need and guide them back to God.

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Spirituality

Jesus’ Baptism Reminds Us to Give Thanks for God’s Gifts

Life and love are not earned by us, nor do we take them, but we receive these good gifts from God with gratitude, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. By our baptism, we share in the divine life.

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Calendar of Events

Local Events: Nationwide Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 22-23

Catholic communities across the Philadelphia area are uniting in prayer through local liturgies and pro‑life events in solidarity with the Nationwide Prayer Vigil for Life.

Daylesford Abbey to Host Charismatic Mass for Healing Jan. 24

Participants can take part in a range of prayer and healing ministries during the 6 p.m. service at the Abbey.

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Vatican News

This week: Pope Leo Encourages Parish Catechist, Lauds Free Press, Prays for Common Good

CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of Jan. 12, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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USCCB

Administration’s Regulatory Change is a Truly Significant Step to Support Essential Religious Services in the United States

MEDIA ADVISORY: National Prayer Vigil for Life on January 22

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Hispanic Catholics

Volver a lo Esencial en la Vida de Fe – La Voz de Dios Jan. 18, 2026

En este programa especial, volvemos a escuchar una conversación que sigue siendo profundamente relevante hoy: una invitación a regresar a lo esencial permaneciendo en Cristo en medio de los desafíos y las bendiciones de la vida cotidiana.

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Obituaries

Reverend John J. Sibel

Reverend John J. Sibel, retired, resident, Villa Saint Joseph, Darby, died on Friday, January 2, 2026.

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